Innovation meets speed as the Red Bull Box Cart Race returns to Sandton Drive on Sunday, 20 September 2026. This highly imaginative experience sees teams put together engine-free vehicles and make their way through various obstacles while trying to keep their vehicles (and themselves) together.
Think your team has what it takes? Applications for participants are now officially open! Here’s everything you need to know to enter:
Participation rules for the Red Bull Box Cart Race
In the Red Bull Box Cart Race, teams of up to five build completely engine-free carts from scratch, perform a skit for the judges, and then challenge their creations racing downhill through jumps, obstacles and plenty of unexpected moments.
While the Cart Race is all about fun, creativity and friendly competition, there are a number of rules that hopeful participants must follow to be able to compete:
- Each team’s vehicle must cross the finish line, and teams must feature one driver and one co-driver.
- Ground crew members must a minimum of 16 years old and drivers must be 18 years and older.
- Absolutely no engines, petrol, batteries, electrical cords, catapults, etc. are allowed.
- The vehicle must be at most 2 m wide, 2.5 m tall and 6 m long.
- Mandatory and functional steering and braking systems are required.
- Vehicles must be handmade.
- Drivers must wear helmets.
A complete application does not guarantee that you will be picked to participate. Selected teams are chosen based on the creativity of their submissions and judging will be based on speed, creativity, and showmanship (the “skit”).
How to apply
Once you’ve familiarised yourselves with the rules of participation, it’s time to put together the application. Beyond your personal and contact information, the following information is required for your application:
- Your team’s name
- A sketch of your team’s box car design
- Ages of each team member
- A team photo
- A motivation detailing more about your craft and why your team should be chosen to participate
Apply online now via this link! Note that Red Bull Box Cart Race is a free event for all spectators.
Website: redbull.com
Facebook: @RedBull
Instagram: @redbullza
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